Altoona Curve to host unveiling of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” Stamp

Baseball’s ‘unofficial anthem’ to be honored during pre-game ceremony

ALTOONA – Americans at ball parks across the nation faithfully sing it as they take their ritual 7th inning stretch. It made Chicago’s Harry Caray and even larger icon. And now the song “Take Me Out to the Ball game” has been honored with a commemorative stamp to mark the 100th anniversary of its composition. Blair County Ballpark - home of the Altoona Curve, the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates - will be the site for a special unveiling of the “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” stamp as part of a special pre-game ceremony to be held at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, August 20, prior to the 7:05 p.m. first pitch between the Curve and visiting Portland Sea Dogs (Double-A, Boston Red Sox).

Erie District Manger Rick Sekinger will be on hand to help unveil the stamp artwork to fans attending the game between the Altoona Curve and visiting Portland Sea Dogs. “The Postal Service is proud of its role in portraying the American experience through stamps,” Erie District Manager Rick Sekinger said. “Of the thousands of stamps the Postal Service has issued, only one other song has been commemorated on postage — ‘The Stars and Stripes Forever.’ And what better song to celebrate as 2008 marks the 100th anniversary of Baseball’s unofficial anthem?”

The Postal Service initially unveiled and released the “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” stamp on the White House lawn during the President’s All-Star Tee Ball game in July of this year. 75 million of the 42-cent, First-Class commemorative stamps were produced for sale nationwide. Composer Jack Norworth, successful vaudeville entertainer-songwriter spent fifteen minutes writing the classic.

“We’re thrilled that The Postal Service has chosen Blair County Ballpark for this special unveiling,” said Curve General Manager Todd Parnell. “Take Me Out to the Ball Game is a big part of the fan experience at a Curve game and we’re happy that Curve fans can directly be a part of its 100th birthday celebration on this night.” Fans wishing to purchase tickets for the event to see the unveiling in person, should call 877-99-CURVE, log on to AltoonaCurve.com, or stop by the Blair County Ballpark ticket windows.

Who:
Erie District Manager Rick Sekinger, Altoona Postmaster Charles Burford, Altoona Curve General Manager Todd Parnell and Altoona Curve Associate General Manager Jeff Garner.

What:
Unveiling of ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game’ stamp during Curve’s pre-game festivities.

When:
Wednesday, August 20, 2008 (Unveiling promptly at 6:30 p.m.)

Where:
Blair County Ballpark
1000 Park Avenue
Altoona, PA 16602

Why:
American songs have shaped the nation’s culture and history from the earliest of days. Through the years, the greatest stars of radio, stage, and the silver screen have been honored on commemorative stamps; it is fitting that a song, known word-for-word by millions, is included among the list of icons honored on stamps.

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An independent federal agency, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that visits every address in the nation — 146 million homes and businesses. It has 37,000 retail locations and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to pay for operating expenses, not tax dollars. The Postal Service has annual revenues of $75 billion and delivers nearly half the world’s mail.